Reputed mob figure Milton Rockman, who was held without...

By

TONI CARDARELLA

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Reputed mob figure Milton Rockman, who was held without bond for a Las Vegas skimming conspiracy conviction, was involved in the murders of two organized crime associates, according to a document filed in federal court.

In an affidavit filed by the government in its plea to refuse Rockman bond, informant Angelo Lonardo said Rockman 'was involved in, knew about, and in fact actually discussed and agreed upon, the murder of' Danny Green and John Nardi, organized crime family associates in Cleveland.

'Rockman wanted to get rid of Green first thinking that with him out of the way, Nardi could be convinced to 'mind his own business' and not interfere with 'family' business,' said Lonardo.

Rockman was convicted Tuesday with four others of a Las Vegas skimming conspiracy that allegedly netted $2 million for mobsters in Chicago, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Milwaukee and Cleveland.

Rockman, 73, was denied bond Thursday following a two-hour hearing before U.S. District Judge Joseph Stevens.

Lonardo described Rockman, whose nickname is 'Mashie,' as an associate of the Cleveland organized crime family but not a member.

'He did work for the family and functioned for the family but he could not be a member because he was not Italian,' said Lonardo, who testified at the Argent Corp. skimming trial, said in an affidavit filed Jan. 17.

Rockman also was involved in the killing of Dr. John Romano more than 50 years ago, according to Lonardo.

'Additionally, when the family had disputes with the Teamsters at a Cleveland race track, Rockman would straighten out the disputes.'

Rockman has been identified as a financial adviser of the organized family of Cleveland. The FBI said he was once a business partner of John Scalish, who authorities said was the head of the Cleveland mob until his death of 1976.

Lonardo, Rockman's brother-in-law, testified during the skimming trial that he and Rockman met with reputed Chicago mob bosses to gather support for the election of Teamsters President Jackie Presser.

Presser was elected in 1983 to succeed Roy Lee Williams, who resigned after being convicted of conspiring to bribe a U.S. senator.